7 Women-Owned Businesses To Support in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids is a fun, vibrant city in Michigan that can easily be explored in just a few short days. While it’s typically considered a conservative city, there’s no shortage of an uptick in progressive businesses. Some of the most notable of those are women-owned, from breweries to restaurants to second-hand clothing shops. I visited Grand Rapids in April 2023, and was pleasantly surprised by all of the boss babes this city has. These were my seven favorite women-owned businesses to visit in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

1. Harmony Brewing Company

Grand Rapids is the city of beer, so not only is visiting at least one brewery a must, but visiting a woman-owned brewery is, too. Harmony Brewing Company makes some of the best brews in town. Their black squirrel smoked porter is like a “campfire in a glass” and is one of the more unique beers I’ve had in my day. Take a whiff before sipping and you’ll really feel like you’re sitting by a bonfire in the summertime. Don’t skip out on their pizza, either.

• Address: 1551 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

2. Last Mile Cafe

Last Mile Cafe is not only woman-owned, but it’s the first woman and Black-owned cafe in Grand Rapids. The interior is simple yet chic, with small plants and a minimalistic design. This place served as the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up, and the staff was so friendly that I stayed much longer than I intended to out of sheer enjoyment of speaking with the barista.

• Address: 1006 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

3. Brewery Vivant

Brewery Vivant ended up being one of my favorite places I visited in Grand Rapids because it’s such a unique spot. The brewery is inside of an old funeral home, and their strong sustainable missions are something we could all take a lesson from. For example, each year, they release a “beer the change” report, which measures their sustainability mission and carbon footprint. Nothing like great transparency and practicing what you preach. Oh, and yes, it’s woman-owned.

• Address: 925 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

4. Chartreuse Sisters

Chartreuse Sisters is the newest contender on this list. They serve insanely delicious French pastries and a wide variety of non-alcoholic cocktails. For a city that’s so heavy on alcohol-consumption, it was a really nice break to visit Chartreuse Sisters and still get to appreciate a delicious libation without the booze. The menu is well-crafted and curated, so go support these two sisters as they get their business off the ground.

• Address: 800 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

5. Aperitivo

Nothing wins my heart like a good charcuterie board, and Aperitivo makes a mean one. This place is not only suggested, but REQUIRED. It’s located inside Downtown Market with plenty of local and international goodies. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable on guiding me with local cheeses and meats. There’s also a shop where folks can buy some goodies to go.

• Address: 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

6. Second Vibess

This shop sells up-cycled vintage pieces, and has a strong mission for keeping our planet clean. Run by two young women, Second Vibess has a mission to leave the planet cleaner than they found it. They do so by giving their unique used fashionable pieces a new home.

• Address: 13 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

7. Speciation Cellars

As mentioned, Grand Rapids is the city of beer, and Speciation Cellars really stands out from the rest. The space is huge and wide open, providing lots of sunlight and fresh air. If you’re all beered out, don’t worry; they have a great natural wine selection with a staff that will be happy to help guide you through your sipping.

• Address: 928 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

DISCLAIMER: Experience Grand Rapids sponsored my visit to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

DISCLAIMER II: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!